After a month of housing and caring for the animal victims of the tornado that tore through Joplin on May 22, the Joplin Humane Society and ASPCA are focusing on finding loving homes for the remaining cats and dogs that have not been claimed.

Since May 23, the agencies have been working around the clock to track down the owners of lost pets through grassroots outreach, flyers, ads, public service announcements and stories in the media. The mandatory 14-day holding period for animals affected by the disaster was even doubled in an effort to reunite as many people and pets as possible.

The Joplin emergency animal shelter is located next to the Joplin Humane Society (140 E. Emperor Lane, Joplin, Mo. 64801). Potential adopters should bring with them one government-issued photo ID and proof of address. Photos and descriptions of all of the adorable cats and dogs can be viewed on the Joplin Humane Society website and on the organization’s Facebook page. You can also call (417) 623-3642 for more information and to find out how you can help.

Adoption fees are being waived for this event and all adoptable animals will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and sent home with an ID tag free of charge. All of the dogs have been evaluated by the ASPCA animal behavior team to assess temperament and personality to help ensure the best possible match with potential adopters.

To date, the ASPCA has provided emergency sheltering for approximately 1,300 animals. More than 450 pets have been reunited with their owners.